December 2020 Update: I cannot believe it's been ten years since I've originally posted about Goong Sushi. In that time, I've taken colleagues here who were used to Vancouver quality sushi, and they have also acknowledged that the Chirashi here was good. I've eaten Chirashi in a Toronto sushi restaurant with a 4.5 star rating, and it was nowhere near as good as Goong's. Today, the Cotes-Des-Neiges mall is finally getting some long overdue renovations, but the restaurant is still there in the exact same spot, and looks exactly the same as I remember it a decade ago. Whenever I'm in Montreal, I still try to go out of my way to come here and get some of their Chirashi. Some things never change, and that's a good thing in this case.
New phone, new Goong Sushi Chirashi photo (no filters applied):
December 2009 Update: A commenter here inspired me to write about something I discovered at Goong Sushi: Chirashi sushi.
From Wikipedia:Chirashizushi (ちらし寿司, lit. scattered sushi) is a bowl of sushi rice with other ingredients mixed in (also refers to barazushi). It is commonly eaten in Japan because it is filling, fast and easy to make.
Goong Sushi's Chirashi is quite tasty and I haven't seen it anywhere else in Montreal (although I'm sure some other restaurant serves this too).
From memory, Goong Sushi's Chirashi has BBQ Eel, three kinds of sliced raw fish, a shrimp, a tiny side of seaweed/carrot/mushroom? (I'm guessing here except for the carrots), some kind of crunchy side "thingy" with caviar on top (no idea what it's called) all on a bed of sushi rice. After eating there many more times it really is the real deal...Just get something that is made fresh and you are good to go. I always finish it clean every single time I order it...It's a nice dish if you're near there.
Cotes-Des-Neiges mall is pretty run down if you ask me....Leaky roof, a lot of empty places for rent and needs major renovation. So the location is not somewhere you would think of finding decent food. Especially in a food court.
So my review? Goong Sushi is easily the best sushi I've eaten in a food court. AND the least expensive by far. It probably rivals "real" sit down sushi restaurants. There I said it.
I sensed something different after I ate a couple of pieces a couple of days ago, and it was good enough for me to order a whole "combo" plate today. Depending on the time of day, I had to wait ten minutes for some freshly made sushi, but that's even better since the food is made to order. So based on my one combo plate, I count this place as a new and inexpensive sushi place that is definitely good bang for the buck.
Official sushi tray photo
Great Sushi, Great Value
Food court sushi...Or is it more than that? I've eaten sushi from various sushi chain restaurants in different food courts and you know right away that you are eating food court sushi. But, even food court sushi restaurants are always on the expensive side.So my review? Goong Sushi is easily the best sushi I've eaten in a food court. AND the least expensive by far. It probably rivals "real" sit down sushi restaurants. There I said it.
I sensed something different after I ate a couple of pieces a couple of days ago, and it was good enough for me to order a whole "combo" plate today. Depending on the time of day, I had to wait ten minutes for some freshly made sushi, but that's even better since the food is made to order. So based on my one combo plate, I count this place as a new and inexpensive sushi place that is definitely good bang for the buck.
Goong Sushi Photos
Goong Sushi Restaurant counter
Goong Sushi Chirashi sushi order
Hey! I just came across your blog while googling "Goong Sushi" in Montreal. For sure I have to agree that their sushi is very very very good! They nicely decorate the plate and give you free tea! =) Seriously, I find that they don't even taste like "food court" food. Even "expensive" Japanese restos like "Kanda" is nothing compared to this little local in the mall. They work each piece of sushi like art! Nicely done and very yummy to eat! Keep supporting them so they won't close! Cuz really C-D-N mall is really crappy! lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! Since my post I've been there several times now...I'm pretty much a regular, since they recognize me now :)
ReplyDeleteThe Chirashi sushi (combo #5) is probably my favourite order...I've never eaten that anywhere else...I'm going to write a post about what Chirashi is right now ;)
And yes C-D-N mall is really crappy haha...They need to fix it up a little...
Hey... it's me again. Just checked randomly to see if you replied. =) Yup, I have lots of stamps on my "loyalty card" haha... I actually just bought a BIG PARTY PLATE for new years eve! =D So I am full of sushi now! Anyways, Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope to see more of your interesting stories on your blog! =)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I have to admit I just came back from a sushi restaurant with friends (it wasn't Kanda but it had the same setup) and Goong is definitely better. It's plain to see the fish/ingredients they use at Goong is very good. You can see the difference even visually, compared to the all-you-can-eat restaurants.
ReplyDeleteJust ate some Chirashi there again recently...It was so good! Now I'm commenting on my own blog lol
ReplyDeleteBut, the Chirashi is that good, so many nice textures and flavours...
I've tried this place quite a few times and I have to admit I must agree with everything that's said in the critique! The food is really authentic and great. It's a real surprise to find suck a place in CDN mall haha All in all, the food is just delicious!! and the deco is a nice addition to the experience too.
ReplyDeleteYes, it easily the best food quality option in the Cote des Neiges food court. I even took a colleague who spent some time out in Vancouver (city known for good sushi) once, and she also said the sushi at Goong was good.
ReplyDeleteAdded a couple more photos just for completeness :)
ReplyDeleteMade a quick ten year update with some more comments and a new photo of the last time I had some Chirashi at Goong Sushi. I wish they had a shop in the GTA!
ReplyDelete